Kevin Rawlings faced a criminal charge for misusing public information when he was board president of the Northland Regional Ambulance District (NRAD).

Prosecutors say he profited nearly $145,000 at the taxpayers' expense after orchestrating a land deal near the Camden Point exit along Interstate 29.

"I think it's important for public officials to know you can't use inside information to feather your own nest," said Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd after the court appearance.

According to court documents, through his role as board president, Rawlings knew NRAD wanted to build a new ambulance station in that location.

Rawlings purchased the property in 2010 and then sold the piece of land to taxpayers less than a year later for $175,000. However, an appraisal ordered by law enforcement placed the land's value closer to $30,000.

Kirby Holden, who filed a complaint to the Missouri Ethics Commission last year, said he was most disappointed that none of the other NRAD board members put a stop to the land deal.

"If I came home and said I spent $18 on a gallon of milk, you know that's wrong," said Holden. "I want them to spend money on raises for employees and new ambulances. Not giving it to somebody to swindle land."